At least 12 security personnel and six terrorists were killed after a checkpost was targeted in Pakistan's Mali Khel area, media reports said on Wednesday.

In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on November 19 (Tuesday), “khwarij attempted to attack a Joint Check Post in general area MaliKhel in Bannu District”, reported Dawn News.

The attack was effectively thwarted, the ISPR said, but a suicide blast led to the collapse of the checkpost’s perimeter wall and adjoining infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of 10 soldiers and two Frontier Constabulary personnel.

“In ensuing fire exchange, six khwarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

Pakistan has been witnessing an uptick in terror activities in recent times.